Nuclear suppliers approve U.S.-India deal

VIENNA (Reuters) - Forty-five nuclear supplier states on Saturday approved a U.S. proposal to drop a ban on trade with India, advancing a U.S.-Indian atomic energy deal, diplomats in the closed meeting told Reuters.

The decision followed a tense debate over conditions for the move demanded by Nuclear Suppliers Group members to minimize any damage to the Non-Proliferation Treaty, which India has not joined. Details were not immediately known.

One hurdle remained before the U.S.-India deal could take force -- ratification by the U.S. Congress. It must act before adjourning in late September for elections or the deal could be left to an uncertain fate under a new U.S. administration.

(Editing by Keith Weir)